CIC dismisses RTI appeal as frivolous

CIC asks information seekers to show greater responsibility while exercising their powers under RTI Act.

Turning down a Right to Information (RTI) appeal on grounds of it being frivolous and inconsequential, the Central Information Commission (CIC) has asked the information-seekers to show greater responsibility while exercising their powers under the RTI Act.

"...Even a casual look at the long list of varied information asked for by the appellant would make it clear that the information asked for is frivolous and even bordering on the absurd," said Information Commissioner OP Kejriwal in a recent order.

The commission was hearing five separate appeal petitions filed by SK Lal, a resident of Faridabad, seeking elaborate details from Ministry of Railways, on issues pertaining to various services and categories of staff employed there.

"In most of the cases, the appellant has asked for all the records regarding various services and categories of staff in the railways which actually mean nothing and only amount to making a mockery of the act", the commission observed.

"...Such diverse and lengthy information seemed to be designed only to put the public authorities under undue and uncalled for pressure," it further added.

The commission came up with words of appreciation for the railways for their efforts in collecting as much information as possible and providing the same within the due timeframe.

The petitions sought information on all records pertaining to allocation of services to selected candidates in the Engineering Services examination of 2002 and regulations imposed on staff and officers working there.

Lal further sought details over the process of appointment of a senior official working in the railways.

Not satisfied with the reply given by the railways, Lal then approached the commission which dismissed the petition terming it as frivolous.